NFL Power Rankings: Predicting Week 3's Top 25 Performers
So you're about lock in your fantasy lineup for the week, and aren't sure whether or not to start your struggling star.
Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco are both poised for breakout weeks, but you may want to keep Arian Foster on the bench against the league's sixth best rushing defense.
So here are the 25 guys you do not want to have on the bench when Sunday comes around.
25. Jermichael Finley
1 of 25
Last week Finley had over 100 yards receiving from the tight end position.
In fantasy those are valuable points from a tight end.
Finley owners hope that he can find the end zone against the Bears, but even if he doesn't he should put up decent numbers.
24. Clinton Portis
2 of 25
Portis is a shell of his former self, but against the Rams that shouldn't matter.
In four career games against the Rams, Portis has averaged 94.5 yards. And, this year the Rams have one of the worst run defenses of any NFL squad.
The Redskins have shown that they will hand the ball to Portis in the red zone, and last week that netted him two touchdowns. All of that bodes well for this week against the Rams.
23. Santana Moss
3 of 25
Moss is playing the Rams, and catching the ball from Donovan McNabb.
Considering he is McNabb's number one option, that should mean a big week for Moss, who has 16 receptions through two games, but no touchdowns.
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22. Dolphins Defense
4 of 25
Not sold on the Dolphins?
Well you should be on their defense.
The Dolphins have had a knack for tormenting the Jets' quarterbacks the last few seasons, and don't expect that to change this week.
The Dolphins' secondary has been superb, and Mark Sanchez is...Mark Sanchez.
This Dolphins defense has allowed the league's fewest points at 20 through two games.
21. Wes Welker
5 of 25
So far this year the yards haven't been there for Wes Welker.
But after two games he has three touchdowns.
Against the Bills, Welker should be able to pile up 100 yards plus, and catch another touchdown or two.
20. Randy Moss
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Randy Moss has been sub-par the first two weeks of the season.
But, he catches the ball from Tom Brady.
And, the Bills are coming to play the Patriots in their home.
In nine career games against the Bills, Moss has averaged 87.1 yards and over a touchdown a game.
19. Joe Flacco
7 of 25
Joe Flacco was arguably the NFL's worst quarterback in week two, when he threw four interceptions against the Bengals.
Flacco should have the ball plenty thanks to Baltimore's defense against the Browns, and he has plenty of options to throw to.
Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason should both be started in addition to Flacco, but because Flacco has so many options neither are likely to be top 25 players on their own.
But, if there could be a surprise player this week, it would be Boldin, who is capable of huge yards and a few touchdowns.
18. Baltimore Defense
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The Ravens defense has held its first two opponents to a lowly 24 points.
This week they might get a shutout.
They play the 0-2 Browns, and Ray Lewis and company have been looking sharp.
Expect a few turnovers, maybe a defensive TD, and few points.
17. Rashard Mendenhall
9 of 25
The Steelers are starting a guy named Charlie Batch at quarterback.
That means that Mendenhall should get about 30 carries in Sunday's game.
If Mendenhall can average his 4.2 yards a carry that should be good for over 100 yards and touchdown or two against a decent Buccaneers defense.
16. Chad Ochocinco
10 of 25
Last week against the Ravens, Ochocinco was shut down.
But, in week one against the Patriots, Ochocinco had 14 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown.
Expect similar numbers like that this week from him, despite his rumored 'broken ribs.'
However, keep his teammate Terrell Owens on the bench if you can afford to. So far Owens has looked more like a confused rookie than a star, and his sore back doesn't look to help that.
15. Darren McFadden
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Yes, there is an Oakland Raiders player on this list.
McFadden got the ball 30 times last week for a total of 145 yards.
Against the awful Arizona Cardinals, McFadden should be able to put crazy numbers for a second consecutive week.
14. Aaron Rodgers
12 of 25
While the Bears are 2-0, they miraculously rank 25th in passing defense.
When you have the number one run defense, you can afford to be a little poor through the air.
Rodgers will look to exploit the Bears weakness as he found his rhythm in week two while throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
Expect Rodger's counterpart Jay Cutler to struggle against the league's third ranked pass defense.
13. Jahvid Best
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Jahid Best has been absolutely phenomenal through his first two games in the NFL.
Offensive Rookie of the Year anyone?
While he only has 98 yards on the ground, Best has caught for 170 yards.
He also has five touchdowns.
While Best should be slowed a bit by the Vikings defense, still expect him to put up decent numbers (100 total yards) and hopefully a touchdown.
12. Reggie Wayne
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Wayne has fallen just a few yards shy of 100 yards in both of his performances so far, but has recorded a touchdown in both efforts.
Being Peyton Manning's number one option treats Wayne well, and this week that trend should continue against the Broncos.
11. Miles Austin
15 of 25
A lot of people doubted that Austin was for real.
But after two games, Austin has 20 receptions for 288 yards, and is looking as real as ever.
If the Cowboys continue to throw 50 times a game, then Austin should be good for another 10 receptions and 100 yards plus. A touchdown wouldn't hurt either would it?
You remember that part about the Texans pass defense right?
10. Andre Johnson
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If Matt Schaub has a big day like expected, then that means Andre Johnson should have an equally big day.
Last week Johnson caught for over 150 yards, and he plays another soft defense in the Cowboys.
Keep an eye on his injury report, Johnson hurt his ankle in week two, but he should be ready to go. And if he is, he'll put up big numbers.
9. Carson Palmer
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Carson Palmer and the Bengals touted offense really should break out this week.
They play an 0-2 Carolina Panthers team that got outplayed by Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers last week.
With the passing threats that Palmer has, he should throw for 300 plus yards and two or more touchdowns.
8. Tony Romo
18 of 25
The Cowboys have a game plan-- let Tony Romo throw the ball.
Through two games he has already thrown for over 650 yards, and if this game is the shoot out that it should be, then he'll have another 300 yard plus game.
Romo needs to cut down on his turnovers, but his touchdowns in week three should outweigh the turnovers.
It's worth mentioning that despite being 2-0, the Texans have allowed 411 yards passing a game.
7. Phillip Rivers
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The Seattle Seahawks rank 24th in pass defense and Phillip Rivers is...Phillip Rivers.
Rivers has yet to miss Vincent Jackson as he has thrown for 632 yards, five touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
Rivers should easily reach the 300 yard mark, with a few touchdowns along the way.
6. Matt Schaub
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After having an off-week by his standards against the Colts to begin the season, Schaub threw for darn near 500 yards against the Redskins last week.
Now he gets to face a Dallas Cowboys defense that ranks 16th in the league, and has recorded no interceptions, and only two sacks.
If Schaub has time in the pocket, then he will put up huge numbers.
This game looks like a Texas shoot-out.
5. Tom Brady
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Brady and the Patriots play the Buffalo Bills.
Need I say more?
He's Tom Brady...they're the Bills. Let me know if you need more information there.
4. Adrian Peterson
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The Detroit Lions tried to shore up their defensive line in the off-season by drafting Ndamukong Suh and singing Kyle Vanden Bosch.
So far, their run defense ranks them 23rd in the league.
Adrian Peterson rumbled for 145 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins, and he may do even better this week.
The ball will be in Peterson's hand plenty as the Vikings seem to be losing faith in Old Man Favre.
3. Michael Vick
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Michael Vick appears to be back, and the Eagles are giving him a shot to be their starter.
This week he gets a softball as he faces the 29th ranked defense in the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Vick could easily generate 400 yards of total offense, and a few touchdowns.
2. Donovan McNabb
24 of 25
Donovan McNabb hasn't exactly won the Redskins any games, but he hasn't lost them any either.
So far McNabb has been efficient, but this week he should be incredible.
How can you not expect big numbers out of McNabb, who threw for 426 yards last week, against the Rams?
1. Peyton Manning
25 of 25
Manning faces a decent defense in the Broncos, but that shouldn't matter.
He's still Peyton Manning.
Through two games he has 688 yards, six touchdown, and no interceptions.
Expect the usual greatness from Manning.
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